The map shows airplanes avoiding Ukrainian airspace just a few hours after MH17 lost contact with radar and crashed late on Thursday night.

The flight was carrying 298 people – 283 passengers, including three infants, and 15 crew members – when it was reportedly shot down in an area controlled by pro-Russian separatists who are battling the Ukranian army.

Ukraine airspace is traditionally one of the busiest areas as flights connecting Europe and Asia transit through this space.

Singapore Airlines SQ351 (B777) and Air India AI113 (B787) were about 25 km from Malaysian Airlines MH17 when it disappeared. — PHOTO: FLIGHTRADAR24/TWITTER

But following the crash of MH17, Business Insider reported that Lufthansa and British Airways confirmed they have ordered their planes to avoid Ukrainian airspace.

As can be seen from Newsweek’s map, planes are now taking a southerly route through Romanian airspace instead.